SPOTLIGHT ON..

Michael Holtz Task 22 Operating Agent

In this issue we introduce you to Michael Holtz, Operating Agent for Task 22 on Solar Building Energy Analysis Tools. The Solar Heating & Cooling Programme has already had the fortune of benefitting from this OA's expertise in two earlier Tasks. Michael began his illustrious "OA career" in 1977 as the Operating Agent for Task 8, Passive and Hybrid Solar Low Energy Buildings, and then led Task 12, Building Energy Analysis Tools for Solar Applications.

A native of Elkhart, Indiana, population 40,000, Michael found his way to Colorado via New York and Washington, D.C. Along his westward journey, he earned a Master of Architecture from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He also worked in Washington, D.C. for the National Institute for Standards and Technology as a research architect and the AIA Research Corporation as director of Solar Energy Programs. Once he arrived in Colorado, Michael started an architectural practice that focused on energy-conserving and climate-adaptive design. He also founded and was director of the International Institute for Energy and Architecture, the first international organization devoted solely to understanding and developing energy efficient, climate responsive architecture and urban design. While still running his architectural practice and fulfilling his responsibilities as director of the International Institute for Energy and Architecture, Michael acted as chief of the Building Systems Research Branch of the Solar Energy Research Institute, now known as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). In 1982, Michael left NREL to start an engineering firm with a partner. Architectural Energy Corporation (AEC), where he is currently President, is concerned with energy, buildings and the environment. The firm develops and markets engineering application software and portable data acquisition equipment as well as provides a wide spectrum of professional services.

As seen through his work with the SHC Programme, Michael is committed to advancing the state-of-the-art in building energy analysis, evaluation and design. Examples of his work on innovative monitoring and analysis techniques include DOE/SERI Class A, B and C evaluation procedures for passive solar buildings, the ENFORMA performance evaluation and diagnostic system, the MicroDataLogger® portable data acquisition system, the REM/Design and REM/Rate residential energy analysis, code compliance, and rating software.

For his many accomplishments in the field of energy and architecture, Michael has received a number of awards, including the 1996 Technical Merit Award from the Energy Efficient Building Association for the development of the REM/Design software.

When asked to comment on the SHC Programme, Michael remarked that, "The IEA Solar Heating and Cooling Programme is a unique organization among international collaborative research and development organizations. Member countries represent broad political, economic, technical and geographic interests. What binds all these member countries is an overriding concern for and interest in solar energy as a viable, sustainable resource for the present and the future." Michael notes that he has been lucky and honored to lead three Tasks. As for the international teams he has been a part of, Michael states that, "Experts that started out as colleagues quickly became good friends. Together, we have undertaken, important and exciting solar research and development."

Michael and his wife Sue have two children, Amanda and Casey. When not at the office or traveling, Michael plays just about every sport that involves a ball. He is a member of the Boulder Red Sox of the Denver Men's Senior Baseball League. He also enjoys model trains, camping, hiking, and reading.